Madrid: Three Hip Brunch Spots Worth the Splurge
By Florencia & Rafa in Madrid—
Until not long ago, if you happened to wake up late in Madrid on a Sunday with a bit of a headache after a long night out, your breakfast choices were mostly limited to the typical Spanish fare: pincho de tortilla (eggs and potatoes omelet with bread on the side), pan tumaca (toasted slices of bread covered with tomato, olive oil and a bit of salt), tostada con mantequilla (a slice of bread fried with butter and served with fruit jam) and salty “churros,” accompanied with coffee and maybe orange juice.
Brunch at Cafe Oliver. Photo: Juanita972
That is all good, of course, if you’re in the mood for a typical Spanish breakfast. However, what about other breakfast options?
Fortunately, during the past few years it has become increasingly fashionable to enjoy brunch, and there is no shortage of choices. While they’re not exactly “cheapo,” these brunch spots offer a fun, leisurely way to spend a weekend afternoon.
Here are our three favorite spots where you can enjoy an American-style brunch in Madrid:
Nina
Calle Manuela Malasaña 10
Tel: (+34) 91 591 00 46
Metro: Bilbao
Brunch served Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 12 p.m.-5 p.m.
Price: €22.90
Modern, sophisticated and with New York loft-style decoration, Nina has quite rightly become one of the classic brunch joints in town. They have two shifts: one from 12 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and another from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. We suggest to go for the earlier one as it is easier to get a table, but make sure you make a phone reservation because the place is always packed. Regarding the food, the eggs Benedictine are always a good choice, and we especially enjoyed the freshly baked muffins and bagels.
Café Oliver
Calle Almirante 12
Tel: (+34) 91 521 73 79
Metro: Chueca
Brunch served Sundays from 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Price: €25
Web site
One of the first places to start the brunch buzz in the city a few years ago, Café Oliver is a Mediterranean-style restaurant and cocktail bar that on Sundays turns into one of the busiest and liveliest brunch spots in Madrid, so make sure you arrive early as they don’t accept brunch reservations. The menu starts with the usual range of coffee and juices, baked goods and pastries. You then choose eggs any style, followed by a first course from the menu, which includes anything from a salad to a cheeseburger.
ENE
Calle Nuncio 19
Tel: (+34) 91 366 25 91
Metro: La Latina
Brunch served Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 12:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
Price: €22
Web site
Located in an ancient iron warehouse in one of the trendiest neighborhoods in Madrid, Ene offers a chill-out brunch in a cool atmosphere, complete with live DJ sessions, tatamis mats scattered about the floor (come early!), and lounging hipsters enjoying brunch. Once settled, the first thing you’ll need to decide is on the cocktail: Bloody Mary or Mimosa. Then there’s a great selection of muffins, bread and handmade pastries, natural juices, coffee or teas, and a lots of starters and main courses to choose from.
